Planting Easter Lilies Outdoors in Virginia

Can Easter Lilies Thrive Outside in Central Virginia?

A healthy, blooming Easter lily has finished flowering. The owner wonders if it can be planted outdoors in central Virginia or should remain indoors.

Expert Guidance

Nick explains that Easter lilies grow from bulbs and will die back to ground level. For outdoor planting:

• Choose a spot with light but protected from high wind and extreme heat.
• Allow the foliage to die back in the pot, then cut off the spent stems.
• Plant the bulbs with roots facing down, ideally where tops get sun but roots stay cool (mulch or low annuals at base).
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

With proper care, the bulbs may produce another flush of blooms in summer and fall.